Wednesday 13 June 2012

Causes of Anemia in Men

Anemia is a condition that is characterized by insufficient levels of hemoglobin in the circulatory system. A massive blood loss will immediately deplete hemoglobin but other physiological conditions restrict hemoglobin production by men. An effective anemia treatment will be needed for men who are diagnosed with any type of anemia.

In order to carry oxygen to the tissues, red blood cells need access to hemoglobin which is a protein. Oxygen is needed by every cell, so if there are any other underlying medical problems, these will be magnified if the hemoglobin levels drop below normal in a male. The immune system can eventually be negatively affected. This will ultimately lead to tissue destruction and the inability to fight off infection and disease.

An insufficient amount of iron is one of the common causes of anemia in men. Sometimes enough iron is present but the body is unable to absorb it properly. In other cases there is not enough hemoglobin being produced.

Anemia will usually develop slowly over time as the iron that is normally stored by the body is released and ultimately depleted. Men typically have larger stores of iron than women because iron is lost through menstruation. The main cause of this disease in males is blood loss due to ulcers or taking too much aspirin or ibuprofin over a long period of time.

The production of red blood cells requires adequate amount of folic acid. The human body is unable to store this substance, so a constant dietary supply is needed. Green leafy vegetables including spinach and lettuce contain high levels of folic acid. Liver is also a good source of this substance. Also, folic acid supplements can be used.

Insufficient amounts of B12 will also interfere with the production of blood cells. Good sources for this vitamin include dairy products, eggs and meat. People who adhere to strictly vegetarian diets must make sure they get enough of the vitamin from some other source so they do not develop a deficiency.

Iron is a key component of hemoglobin. Without iron, the blood is unable to carry oxygen sufficiently and will cause low iron in men. A deficiency can be due to a number of different things including poor eating habits and lack of proper nutrients.

Symptoms will vary from mild to severe but weakness and fatigue are two common complaints. Men with anemia may experience shortness of breath, chest pain and headaches. They may even find it hard to concentrate. Respiratory problems often surface during exercise. Very severe cases can result in oxygen levels that have dipped to levels that are low enough to be dangerous. The heart and other vital organs can be negatively affected. Very mild cases may be diagnosed despite the lack of symptoms.

Treating this condition requires restoring the proper amounts of oxygen to the tissues and this may require an increase in red blood cell production. The bone marrow and kidneys must receive the proper supplies needed to function together in this process. Replenishing the nutrients will go a long way toward restoring normal levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin.

The main cause of the anemic condition must be addressed for a treatment to be effective. Stimulation of red blood cell and hemoglobin production should also be considered. The absorption rate of iron must be normal for the restored nutrients to have a positive effect. Always check with your doctor before beginning any type of treatment program for the prevention of anemia in men.

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